Smoked spiced eggplant puree (mf)

8 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2Eggplants (2 1/2 pounds altogether)
1teaspoonWhole cumin
1teaspoonCoriander seeds
¼cupVegetable oil
1largeOnion finely chopped
1teaspoonMinced garlic and fresh ginger
¼teaspoonTurmeric or pinch yellow asafetida powder
teaspoonSalt
Juice of 1 fresh lime
½cupPlain yogurt (to 2/3 c)
1Fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
¼cupChopped fresh coriander
¼cupFresh mint

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Char over a gas flame, grill, or broil the eggplants until the skins are charred and blistered. Transfer to baking pan and roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Remove from oven and cool. Toast cumin and coriander seeds until aromatic and grind in a spice grinder (or toast spices already ground).

Heat oil in a small skillet over moderate heat. Add onion and saute until tender. Add garlic and ginger and saute a few seconds to release the aroma.

Add turmeric, ground toasted cumin and coriander and salt and saute another minute just to release the aroma.

Cut stem ends of eggplants and peel skin. Set eggplant in food processor and puree until coarse. Add onion and spice mixture and puree. Transfer to serving bowl and stir in lime and yogurt and jalapeno. Right before serving dust eggplant puree with chopped cilantro and mint. Serve with toasted pita triangles or fresh vegetables or crackers.

Yield: 8 servings

Copyright, 1996, TV FOOD NETWORK, G.P., All Rights Reserved Posted to MC-Recipe Digest V1 #368 Recipe by: COOKING MONDAY TO FRIDAY SHOW #MF6769 From: 4paws@... (Shermeyer-Gail) Date: Sat, 11 Jan 1997 20:56:35 -0500